Never Again in Another Life

I couldn't believe I was dying.I had no parents and no family, with only a handful of contacts on my phone.I thought for a moment and decided to call Mateo. He answered instantly but hung up just as fast.Thinking it was a slip, I dialed again. This time, it rang forever before he answered, sounding pissed."What now?""Mateo..."The thought of my diagnosis hit me. Memories of our happy times flooded back.It pained me that I couldn't be by his side much longer. My voice shook, but the words died in my throat. I didn't know how to bring it up to him."It's just a fake breakup, alright? We'll get back together. Why are you acting like this?" he grumbled. "Grow up. If Sophie offs herself, that's on us."Once, he said that he knew me best, able to read my every thought.He knew how fragile I was and promised he'd stick by me through anything. He was my therapist and my closest love.But everything changed when Sophie showed up. Our relationship was reduced to a joke.The sec

Mateo had posted about us on social media, so I hadn't thought much of it.Then one day, he handed me his phone to pay the bills. I saw that post and found it was visible only to me.Turned out, he had faked it the whole time. His love for me was nothing but a show.The doorbell rang, interrupting my thoughts.I opened the door, expecting Mary. It wasn't her, but Mateo.I looked at him but didn't feel a thing. I said firmly, "We're over. I'm not getting back to you."He was already on edge, and my words lit a fuse.He slammed my favorite mac and cheese on the entryway table, grabbed my hand, and stared me down."Say that again," he growled. "What do you mean by that? You're an orphan, and I'm the only one in this world who cares about you."I shook him off and stepped back. "You dumped me first," I said, tearing up.He couldn't bear to see me cry. He cooled off and took my hand, trying to coax me."Don't cry. That will wrinkle your face. I only suggested breaking up becaus

I raised an eyebrow, surprised."So, you think you know her inside and out, even after all these years apart?" I asked. "If you believe I'd lie to you, why is it so hard to believe Sophie might do the same?"He froze, realizing he'd trusted some long-lost friend than me, his girlfriend, who had been with him for four years.I used to think that he had betrayed me. Now it looked like there was more to it."Guess you haven't told Sophie about me, so I won't crash your party. This might be our last run-in. Go ahead. She's waiting," I said, brushing past him toward the elevator.He grabbed my wrist. "What do you mean, 'last run-in'? Where are you going?""I'm dying," I said flatly.He scoffed, "In that case, swing by my office some time. No charge."His phone buzzed before he could say more. He shot me a warning look, and I understood it was Sophie."Where are you? Weren't you just downstairs?" she asked. "I went to see the doctor. They said I'm getting better. My parents are here

Word came that Mateo proposed to Sophie.Their flash engagement threw me off. I'd only been gone for a while, and he was ready to tie the knot.He invited everyone he knew, eager for the whole world to cheer for their love story.That day, a friend wheeled me to the venue. It was a show I couldn't miss.Sophie's parents were surprised to see me there. They hissed, "What are you doing here? This is Sophie and Mateo's big day."I smirked, "You wouldn't acknowledge me. Can't I at least bless her? What, are you scared I'll blow up her perfect wedding?"They clammed up but kept a close watch on me, worried I'd flip a table.It was funny that they never asked why I was in a wheelchair. Their worries were laughable.The party peaked.Sophie's parents held her hands, sobbing like it was a movie. Mateo gazed at her softly.It was a sweet scene, except everyone had their own agenda.He took her hand but paused from kissing her when his eyes inadvertently met mine.Sophie blinked. "Wh